Light infantry forces form a skirmish line to slow the enemy advance and
keep their own line unmolested by enemy skirmishers.

Whether they are called light infantry, jaegers, tirailleurs or chasseurs a
pied, it is the job of these men to screen the main battle line, harass
the enemy and, if possible, pick off important men in the enemy's ranks.
Unlike their fellows in the line infantry, light infantryman are trained to
think for themselves, use the ground and cover intelligently, and not fight
in rigid lines. Instead, they form loose skirmish line and fire independently
at their own designated targets. The effect is a constant, low-level barrage
rather than the crushing thunder of a volley but the effect is quite
deadly as officers and sergeants are picked off and removed from the fight.
Against cavalry, however, their best defence is to withdraw to their own
battle line.

Historically, the Austrians were widely regarded as producing the finest
light infantry forces in Europe. Other nations did catch up but in the case
of Britain and France it was their experiences in fighting in North America
that persuaded them of the wisdom of light troops. Battle lines were simply
impossible to manage in these dense woodlands, and largely pointless
against the native tribes!

Tirailleurs are the French and Quebecer variant of generic riflemen. Aside from appearances, they share identical statistics and other characteristics with riflemen. Unlike riflemen, who are nearly ubiquitously available, Tirailleurs may only be trained in France.